Gonorrhea in Females

 
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact.

What is going on in the body?

Humans are the only host for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can also be transmitted on contaminated fingers or sex toys.

The infection can affect any mucuous membrane. In females, gonorrhea most often affects these areas: · the eyes · the rectum · the throat · the vagina, cervix, and urethra

In women with gonorrhea, the bacteria can travel into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The woman may develop pelvic inflammatory disease.

Sometimes the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. The infection may spread to the abdomen, heart, joints, spinal cord, brain, and liver.

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Women who have symptoms may notice the following: · abnormal menstrual bleeding · abnormal vaginal discharge · dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse · eye pain and discharge · frequent or painful urination · pelvic pain · rectal discomfort · sore throat · vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or exercise

Gonorrhea that has spread to other parts of the body may cause a rash and fever. The person may have painful, swollen joints. Other symptoms are specific to the body part that is infected. An infection in the heart, for example, may cause heart valve problems and impaired blood flow.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. The infection is transmitted during sexual contact. Gonorrhea is seen most often in teens and young adults. Risk factors for gonococcal infections include the following: · child abuse · multiple sexual partners · unprotected sexual contact · use of an intrauterine device, or IUD, for birth control

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Many cases of gonorrhea can be prevented by following safer sex guidelines. Prompt treatment of the infected person and any sexual partners will prevent further spread. Pregnant women should be tested for gonorrhea and treated if they have the infection.

How is the infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a gonococcal infection starts with a medical history and physical exam. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria can be cultured from infected body sites.

Testing for HIV and syphilis should also be offered to those diagnosed with gonorrhea. These sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are more common in people with gonococcal infections.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Gonorrhea can cause serious long-term effects if it is not treated effectively. These effects include the following: · congestive heart failure, a condition in which a weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively · death from overwhelming sepsis or bloodstream infection · endocarditis, which is an infection involving the heart · increased risk for tubal pregnancy · infertility in females and males · meningitis, or infection of the brain and spinal cord · pelvic inflammatory disease, or widespread infection in the pelvis · septic arthritis, with infection of one or more joints · visual impairment, including blindness

What are the risks to others?

Gonococcal infections are very contagious. They are spread from person to person during sexual contact or childbirth.

What are the treatments for the infection?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. These include cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Doxycycline might be added to treat Chlamydia trachomatis, a disease that commonly occurs along with gonorrhea. Pain medications can be used as needed. Infected individuals should avoid sexual contact until the infection is completely gone. Infections that involve other body organs will also need treatment.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause rash, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Most people recover completely if the gonococcal infection is treated effectively. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated for STDs.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Print this page